HealthSouth Desert Canyon puts family feel into work environment

By BUCK WARGO

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

For employees of HealthSouth Desert Canyon Rehabilitation Hospital, the workplace is more like an extension of their family.

That’s always been the goal of hospital administrators, who try to create that atmosphere to help its mission for the 50-bed inpatient hospital that offers rehabilitation services designed to return patients to leading independent lives. It ranked No. 1 among midsize companies as a top place to work.

“I think one of the things that makes this a great place to work is everybody is talking about the family feeling we have,” said Deanna Martin, chief executive officer. “We all take care of and respect each other. No job is too small and that’s what matters.”

Martin said hiring skilled staff is important, but it’s vital to have people who are friendly, upbeat and accommodating to patients. Creating that family-friendly and fun atmosphere helps with that, she said.

“We celebrate the small things,” she said. “Health care is hard work, and you need to stay positive and keep people motivated. That’s the only way to take care of patients.”

When someone receives a certification, it’s celebrated. No matter if it’s hospital week or some recognition or a hospital anniversary, it’s a reason to bring in food and gather together, Martin said.

The hospital even got creative on Elvis Presley’s birthday with his patented peanut butter and banana sandwiches and Elvis music.

“Fun is important because what we do is so difficult,” Martin said. “To see the positive and laugh at ourselves connects us with people better, and if we can do that we can take care of patients better.”

Employees said they enjoy the family atmosphere and how workers relate to one another. It makes the job even more rewarding, they said.

“All the staff is always there to back each other up and help whenever possible,” one employee said. “We all get along and have a great relationship with each other.”

The hospital provides employees health benefits immediately, and they start earning paid time off the first day on the job. Other benefits also go beyond what other companies offer. There is a stock purchase plan, college savings plan, discount auto and homeowner’s insurance plans, identity theft protection and pet insurance plans.

“I feel appreciated by my director and by hospital leadership,” one employee said. “I have the opportunity to grow in my field and am encouraged to do so by my director. My director stresses the importance of work-life balance.”

Another employee described working with an amazing group of individuals who understand what it means to work as a team and to have the best interest of patients at heart.

“In my working life, I never knew what it felt like to experience the feeling that my job didn’t feel like work until now,” the employee said.